Repair or Replace? What to do About Your Aging Furnace

Spending your hard-earned money to repair or replace your furnace is one of the last things any of us wants to do. But, often, investing now can save you much more down the road.

Before you make any decisions, however, find out how serious your furnace’s problems are and whether you can get by with a simple repair rather than replacing the entire unit.

Here are a few things to consider:

Growing older

While a furnace’s typical lifespan is 15 to 20 years, none of us wants to be left in the cold and be forced to make an emergency purchase. That’s why a good rule of thumb is to start thinking about a replacement after 15 years. Preparing for the purchase in advance also helps you save up for the purchase. When the time does come, consider replacing your old unit with an ENERGY STAR® qualified model, which is more efficient than a conventional furnace and can help you save in utility costs.

Mounting repairs

Often, when a furnace is nearing the end of its life, it breaks down and needs repairs more frequently. If you’ve recently had one part of your furnace replaced only to discover that something else needs to be repaired, it could mean it’s time for a new unit. If, on the other hand, your unit still heats your home consistently and hasn’t needed frequent maintenance work, a repair may be all you need for now.

Rust and noise

Be on the lookout for rust building up on or around your furnace. If it begins expelling excessive rust or dust particles, then there’s likely some deterioration afoot.

Unusual noises are another good indicator that something is wrong. Popping or groaning noises coming from an older furnace could be a sign that its useful life is coming to an end.

If you’re concerned your furnace is in need of repair or a replacement, a Reliance Home Comfort™ Specialist can help. Book your service now with our easy online tool!

Hello, Riad. With equipment of that age, annual inspection is certainly recommended to ensure that it is in proper working order as issues with any fuel burning appliance could pose a safety risk. The likelihood of breakdown will also increase over time and keep in mind that today’s equipment is more energy efficient and could help you save on your utility bills in the long run. Hope that helps. ~ Rich